07.19.06

On a hill top in Kavre last week, the People’s Liberation Army showcases excellent hospitality and their big guns. On display in the front rows are Heckler & Koch G36s captured from the army, AK-47s and an assortment of SLRs and INSAS rifles that the visiting media are encouraged to take pictures of. Further back in their neat formations, hoping to be less noticed, PLA fighters demonstrate their disciplined drills with smaller .303s or empty handed with pretend guns.

Later in the day, visitors are ushered off to pose for pictures with their fatigue wearing hosts. With guns pointed at cameras, and cameras pointed at guns, they are cheered on to hold the prize winning metals and smile. A five hour four-wheel drive away from the heart of Kathmandu, this media-savvy Maoist event paves way for future Xtreme-politics tourism ventures.

Guerrillas welcoming journalists at Kami Danda of Kavre.

Giving journos a helping hand.

PRETENDER: Towards the rear of the drilling formation, the women guerrillas have .303s but this one doesn’t even have that.

MESS IN THE MESS: A Maoist cadre serving meal in the mess.

REPORTING ALIVE: Kantipur Television reporter speaks into his camera while a Maoist cadre also shoots.

LIGHT-CAMERA ACTION: A guerrilla with an AK47 rifle puts up a pose.

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR: A Singaporian student is allowed to fondle a Heckler & Koch G36 captured from the Nepal Army.